If poetry isn’t usually your thing, a verse novel might surprise you! These books tell full, powerful stories through poems, packing emotion, action, and meaning into fewer words—making them a fast, engaging, and memorable read. 

To celebrate World Poetry Day on 21 March, we created a special display of poetry and verse novels from our fiction collection. This included Dance of the Day – a published collection of poetry by student, Sanuli Karunaratne - alongside a wide range of verse novels just waiting to be discovered. Feel free to visit the Library and borrow one - or several - to enjoy over the holiday break. 

Talking of holidays, they are almost here – the perfect time to relax with a great book. Reading for just 10 minutes can help your body and mind shift from stress to rest, slowing your heart rate and relaxing your muscles. As you read and your attention focuses, “you experience measurable physiological changes: your heart rate slows, your breathing deepens and becomes more regular, and your muscle tension decreases.” (https://bit.ly/4bEar7y) Borrow up to 10 books by Thursday 16 April so you’ve got something perfect no matter your mood! Not sure what to choose? Just ask the Library staff as we LOVE recommending books and helping people find their next favourite. 

Although the Library will be closed over the break, there is no need to despair. If you race through all your borrowed books, there are hundreds of ebooks, audio books, and graphic novels to read online using either ePlatform or ComicsPlus via the MEL Library page. There are also apps for both of these sites – you just need to sign in via the websites first. 

We’re excited to remind you about our upcoming event on Tuesday 14 April featuring Tasmanian author, Kate Gordon, at which we will launch our new multi-generational book club, The Shared Shelf, where students and adults will read and discuss the same fantastic book. If you can’t attend the event but are interested in being involved in The Shared Shelf, which is open to all, please contact Mrs Catherine Woodberry for more information at cwoodberry@mrc.tas.edu.au. 

And stay tuned – because in Term 2, Marist students will have the opportunity to become detectives as they work together to solve a murder! More coming soon…. 

Visit the Library and stock up for the holidays! 

Mrs Catherine Woodberry 

Learning Integration Manager 

MRC Library